'Feeding America' study reports 1 in 5 children in Western Massachusetts are Hungry

masslive.comSquare One provides daily meals to all the children it serves in Greater Springfield.

Our down trending economic indicators here in Western Massachusetts mirror what's going on across the country.

And the same holds true for hunger here in Western Massachusetts.

A new study by the group 'Feeding America', examines hunger in America and indicates that one in four children is food insecure.

It's a fancy phrase most of us are unfamiliar with, but at its roots it shows that children across the country do not eat a proper diet.

Those are shocking numbers. And here in Western Massachusetts twenty two percent of children in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties are under nourished. And food insecurity is not just effecting children below the poverty line.

"To think that about a quarter of the children in our area are being under nourished', said Christina Maxwell from the Western Mass Food Bank. "They're struggling with hunger is really incredibly disheartening. Even in this time of recession, to know that kids are really suffering is hard."

The Feeding America report matches what people in the trenches see on a daily basis. Christina Maxwell says that despite all the programs available to children and their families, hunger is still a nationwide program. And it's effecting our most vulnerable citizens.

"For some children though they fall through the cracks of those programs," said Maxwell. "Their parents may not qualify because they're making just a little bit too much money."
"And so for those children the emergency feeding system is really essential in plugging the hole. So food pantry's and meal sites become a very primary source for them for the food in their homes."

To see what's happening at Ground Zero, we paid a visit to a Square One location in Springfield.

Children from all over the city of Springfield come to Square One's preschool and kindergarten programs. Square One see families making tough decisions everyday. Kim Lee is Vice President for Advancement for Square One.

"For many of our families the meals that they're getting here, which is a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon supplement, are often the only meals they're getting for the rest of the day."
"Monday morning walking to one or two of our preschool classrooms it's not surprising to see children asking for their third bowl of cereal or their second helping of pancakes. Or asking for a third glass of milk. They're hungry."

Tommie Johnson is the director of the Square One location on King Street in Springfield, She knows first hand the challenges local families face.

Keep in mind that parents of Square One children must work or be involved in job training to take advantage of the program. Tommie said families are working hard, and said no child deserves to go hungry.

"It's an important part of development for a child," said Johnson. "If you're hungry there are so many things that just wrap around it."
"When you're fed you're at your best, and you give your best, and you can move forward. When you're hungry the world is just not a good place. Especially for babies."